“I’m reading ‘Galapagos’ by Kurt Vonnegut again – first read over 40 years ago. At times when madness surrounds me – I turn to Mr Vonnegut – his sanity and humanity.”
‘Galapagos’ by Kurt Vonnegut – A Tale For Our Times
Wildlife Diversity Key to Limiting Future Pandemics
“When we erode biodiversity, we favour species that are more likely to be zoonotic hosts, increasing our risk of spillover events.”
Last Call For ‘Found’ Beach Objects
People living in Scotland’s vulnerable coastal areas – including Orkney – are being given one last chance to contribute to an upcoming exhibition that addresses key environmental concerns.
Developing an ‘Ocean Tricorder’
“An “Ocean Tricorder” – like the science-fiction tricorder of the Star Trek universe that can quickly assess properties of interest in real-time – would allow us to record all lifeforms in a specific part of an ocean at the push of a button.”
The House Sparrow is Scotland’s No.1
The House Sparrow continued in its top spot in Scotland in the 2021 RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.
Our Planet, Our Future #NobelPrizeSummit
“75% of Earth’s ice-free land is directly altered as a result of human activity, with nearly 90% of terrestrial net primary production and 80% of global tree cover under direct human influence.”
“A blueprint for sustainable and integrated farming and crofting activity in the hills and uplands of Scotland”
“Agricultural support payments should be targeting agricultural activity aimed at food production, and should therefore not be accessible for alternative land uses or towards the production of crops not intended for the food chain.”
Plant Focus: Marsh Marigold
It is a widespread flower of ponds, marshes, damp meadows, ditches and wet woodland and is a conspicuous spring flower.
Discovering Greenland’s Time Capsule
“Our study shows that Greenland is much more sensitive to natural climate warming than we used to think–and we already know that humanity’s out-of-control warming of the planet hugely exceeds the natural rate,” says Andrew Christ.
Around Kirkwall
A stroll around Kirkwall
